Karnataka, which introduced the Anna Bhagya scheme by selling a kilo of rice at Re.1 a kg, on Wednesday, launched the all-India standard toll-free helpline — 1967 — for maintaining transparency in the implementation of the government’s flagship programme.

Launching the programme, Minister for Transport R. Ramalinga Reddy, also in-charge of Bangalore Urban district, along with Minister of State for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Dinesh Gundu Rao immediately called the number and asked whether there had been any complaints after its launch.

Mr. Reddy said the officer, who received the call, told him that he had received 65 complaints so far. He would pass on the details of the complaints to officers in the departments concerned for taking corrective measures, the Minister added. Additional Chief Secretary Latha Krishna Rao and Food Commissioner Harsha Guptha were present.

Speaking to presspersons, Mr. Rao said the signboard displays the emblem of the State government with the Anna Bhagya scheme and its number, and it would be exhibited at all the 20,000 fair price depots run by the government, society or by private persons. He said initially, the deputy commissioner of the district would hold additional charge as grievance redressal officer and tackle the complaints.

Intensive monitoring

Unlike in the case of 108 Ambulance, the Anna Bhagya boards will not carry any Minister’s photograph. Mr. Rao, who is chairing a review meeting in Raichur on Thursday, said that vigilance committees would be constituted for intensive monitoring of the programme.

Many well to do families misusing the scheme. They are buying for Rs. 1 and selling 15Rs per kg to others. Not sure, if its really helping the needy. Government need to think of schemes which really empower people instead of such Anna bhagya, Shaadi bhagya. Parties should think of development beyond these schemes and vote bank politics.